RSC Australia Question

[TimiHendrix]

Hi, new here so please forgive me if this question has been asked a million times!
I’m lucky enough to have my Dad’s old GMT 16710, which I love. It looks like an earlyish one to me as it has a Tritium dial. I’ve worn it every day for the last 5 years and, given the wear in the bracelet, it looks like he wore it alot too. I want to look after and hand it on to my son in a few years time so I thought a service would be a good idea. The RSC in Melbourne want to replace some bracelet links, the clasp and the case back, and I’m good with that. However, they say the dial is water damaged and they have to replace both it and the hands. I’d never noticed any water damage and I don’t really want to replace it because it then seems to start becoming something other than my Dad’s watch. 😕

My question is, what option do I have? I want the movement serviced, the bracelet to be secure, and the case to be water proof, but they won’t do those without also replacing the dial as they say the water damaged dial can shed paint into the movement. I don’t want to take it for a non Rolex service either, unless they can use Rolex parts, and besides, the paint from the damaged dial could still get into the movement. So I’m a bit stuck.

Is water damage to the dial not always noticeable? Is a new dial going to look the same as the old one? Anything else I haven’t thought of?

Many thanks and apologies for the lengthy post. 😊

[georgekart]

Try sending it into the RSC in Sydney. See what they suggest. Alternatively find an independent watchmaker who can service it.

[Dirt]

Welcome to the forum
Give Max Schwiezer in Sydney a call. He's located in the city centre.
He may be able to accommodate you.
Rolex will work to their standards and not be very flexible.
Your dial may need some stabilisation of the Lume to stop it from breaking down and having bits go through the movement.
You don't say where you are located, but it could be worth a trip now that everything has opened up.
Let us know how you get on

[TimiHendrix]

Thanks for the replies. I’m in Perth BTW, so options are probably a little more limited.

[TimiHendrix]

I think my options have just severly diminshed, what with the WA lockdown and all. ��

I'm thinking I'm just going to go with what the Melbounre RSC have required as this seems to be the best way of keeping it in the best possible shape for as long as possible. I'm still worried I'm going to regret losing the original Tritium dial at some time though.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by TimiHendrix

I think my options have just severly diminshed, what with the WA lockdown and all. ��

I'm thinking I'm just going to go with what the Melbounre RSC have required as this seems to be the best way of keeping it in the best possible shape for as long as possible. I'm still worried I'm going to regret losing the original Tritium dial at some time though.

That's your choice, but i would exercise patience.
It just goes to show how quickly things can change in this day and age
But experience has shown it's better for them to go hard and go fast with this business.
The lockdown is a transient thing and it still doesn't stop you from fully exploring your options.

There's also a couple of people in the US that can do exactly what you are asking with a totally sympathetic spa treatment which is arguably the best solution
Think bigger picture

[TimiHendrix]

Thanks, Dirt. Sound advice. Haven’t committed to anything yet.